In an effort to familiarize York County voters with candidates on
the ballot this general election, YCEA directed questions to candidates running in contested races. Below are answers provided by Mike Regan, the incumbent running for State Senator of the 31st Senatorial District in Pennsylvania.

Mike Regan, incumbent: Candidate for State Senator – 31st District

 

How would you describe the spirit of the district you are running to represent?

I have lived, worked, and raised a family for nearly my entire life in the 31st Senatorial District. I believe I know the people of York and Cumberland County very well, and they share many of the same attributes: hard work ethics, patriotism, and a sense of self-reliance. It is a pleasure working hard for them in the Senate to make sure that our future generations are better off than we are.

 

What is a major takeaway from 2020 that you believe will influence policy in the years ahead?

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in March of this year, our nation was not ready for the likes of a virus not seen since the Spanish Flu. I worked every day to safely reopen our state so that Pennsylvanians could resume their lives and livelihoods. I believe we need to make sure that our schools, businesses, and healthcare systems have the tools and resources they need to recover from this pandemic.

 

What sets York County apart from communities across the commonwealth?

York County is a great place to live. It is also very diverse and one of the faster growing counties in the state. We have great schools, family sustaining jobs, and safe neighborhoods. We need to make sure that this continues for our children and grandchildren.

 

For those small business owners or residents who are concerned about their financial outlook, what is something you would like to work towards to help the economy recover?

Pennsylvania does not have a tax friendly environment when it comes to supporting our business. We have the second highest Corporate Net Income tax rate in the country. Overburdensome regulations have kept small and major employers from coming to Pennsylvania. On the big employer side, most notably, BMW, Amazon, and Airbus chose not to come to the Keystone state. We have seen neighboring states benefit from such employers and industries with their less onerous regulatory environments. Reducing the CNI, building out our infrastructure, continuing record level of education funding, and enhancing broadband access would all contribute to improving the health of our economy and attract small and large business.

 

What leisure activity or new hobby have you found yourself doing more of throughout this time of social distancing?

As Chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I haven’t had much time to devote to anything new, but when I have had the opportunity to take a break, I have spent time exercising and taking in the outdoors with my wife and children.

__________________________

Click here to view the profile on Shanna Danielson, the challenger running for State Senator of the 31st Senatorial District.